(Excerpted from the official WeChat account of the Chinese Consulate General in New York)
On the evening of September 19, the Consulate General of China in New York held a grand reception celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Around 400 guests attended, including representatives from various sectors of China and the United States across the ten-state consular district, as well as foreign consular officers based in New York.
In his speech, Consul General Huang Ping stated that over the past 75 years, China has built a more solid foundation for development and achieved better shared outcomes, consistently serving as a vital engine for global economic growth and a crucial force for safeguarding world peace and development. The Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China has sounded the clarion call for further comprehensive deepening of reforms and advancing Chinese modernization. The over 300 key initiatives proposed at the plenary session will provide powerful impetus and institutional guarantees for China's modernization drive.
Huang Ping emphasized, "As President Xi Jinping has pointed out, the hope for China-U.S. relations lies with the people, its foundation in civil society, its future in the youth, and its vitality in local interactions. For the world's two largest economies with distinct social systems and different development stages, wisdom, vision,格局 (grandeur of vision), and responsibility are needed to navigate their relations. Both sides should strive to stabilize and improve China-U.S. relations in this new historical era and find the right path for coexistence between two major powers."
Recalling his nearly six-year tenure since arriving in New York in November 2018, Huang Ping shared, "I have visited all ten states in the consular district, traveling to over 100 cities and counties. Every moment has left a deep impression, and countless vivid stories of China-U.S. friendship and honorable friends from all walks of life have made this journey unforgettable. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all friends who have long cared about China and China-U.S. relations!"
Foreign guests extended warm congratulations on the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, expressing admiration for China's remarkable development achievements. They noted that U.S.-China relations are the world's most important bilateral ties, and local exchanges and people-to-people interactions play a positive role in improving bilateral relations. They expressed hope for continued strengthened communication and mutual trust between the two countries to promote the healthy development of U.S.-China relations. Guests spoke highly of Consul General Huang Ping's significant contributions to promoting local exchanges and cooperation between the two nations, expressing reluctance to see him leave and presenting heartfelt blessings through greeting cards.
Artists from the consular district then delivered a splendid cultural performance. A pipa and percussion ensemble performance of "Yi Ethnic Dance" showcased the unique charm of Chinese traditional instruments and the rich cultural diversity of ethnic minorities. A male soloist's rendition of classic Chinese and Western works resonated deeply with the audience, pushing the atmosphere to a climax. Awards were also presented at the reception to winners of the "Check-in China: My Oriental Impressions" campaign.
Philadelphia Window invited students from Bodine High School of International Affairs to participate in the consulate's event. This summer, Philadelphia Window led 150 students and teachers to China, where they enjoyed China's scenic beauty and experienced its traditional culture. Many students participated in the "Check-in China: My Oriental Impressions" campaign, documenting their experiences through photos and videos, capturing unforgettable moments from their trip. Notably, nearly ten students ultimately won prizes in the campaign.
Arwen Foran, a student from Utah who couldn't attend the event in person, received the grand prize of the "Check-in China: My Oriental Impressions" campaign—round-trip air tickets between China and the United States.
Through their appreciation of China, American youth are gaining understanding, developing affection, and recording their perspectives of China in their own unique ways.